In the United States this spider is called the hobo spider. it is exactly the same spider, it makes it web like a funnel. It came to the US from England, they are a very deadly spider, in fact in Portland OR they have killed one elderly lady and 2 children. I do not know about in the Down Under, but I spray my yard and under my house for these, the black widow and the brown rufus spiders. They are all deadly in their own way. I hope you got rid of that sucker and he is now in spider heaven. Kathy of Medford Oregon

said chacooe3 2006.04.29 at 01:19:58 PDT

Hi Brenda. I'm back again to ask you to check out my "Thankyou&qu ot; album. If you like it and are interested I'd like you to be part of it. If you have a look you'll understand what I'm on about. Hoping to hear from you. Al...

said shortshooter 2005.03.13 at 14:16:56 PST

Hi Brenda. That's another, or maybe one good thing about Canberra. We don't have funnelwebs, but we do have huntsmen. lol. Thanks for commenting in my sunsets guestbook the other day when it featured. Thanks for sharing the funnelweb with the world. There goes the tourist trade. lol. Al....

said shortshooter 2005.02.26 at 17:52:25 PST

Hi Brenda! This was certainly an unwelcome guest to the Christmas Dinner Table, and I hope the rest of its family did not choose to visit as well. Wonderful close-up shots.. well done! Thankyou for your message, yes, the crayfish was absolutely delicious (but I felt sorry having to cook it after taking those 'eye to eye' photos). Now my son has just dropped in with a dozen small herring from this afternoon's catch. Best wishes.. Gladys, Western Australia.

said gladysclancy 2005.01.22 at 00:20:24 PST

Holy Smokes Girl....you be careful playing outside in your garden. Often times trying to get a great picture you won't see little black spiders crawling up the ol pant leg.....give's me goosebumps just thinking about that. Are your insect eating birds ammune to them? Well....got to pack up....off to the Caribbean today. Well, someone has to do it! ha Lorrie/Wyoming,USA

said greenhorngrl 2005.01.21 at 04:47:03 PST

So is your Christmas guest a pet now? Wow on the size. What did you do with it. I must say Australia wins hands down with the uniqueness of its creatures. I really do hope you traded the FW spider for a nice cat or dog!! Great images never the less! Have a good day.. stay safe and keep the door shut... tight... Eti

said etiswinford 2005.01.20 at 13:53:13 PST

Hi Brenda! Wouh! I admire you courage to even take your camera and do pictures. I do not know how I would have reacted....?! But somehow it is interesting to see this animal. And the pics itselve are very good. Mine would have been not very clear because of my shaking hands!! What did you do to get ride of this very "unwelcome guest"?? That is realy intersting me. Please let me know. Greetings and best wishes - Trixi :-)

said trixiko 2005.01.20 at 08:30:58 PST

Hi Brenda, Oh what a beauty! Lovely fangs. I know precisely why you had it in a jar, but let’s keep it a secret. You are of course keeping an eye out for its relatives and friends. Did you release it in some neighbour’s yard? Best wishes, Keith.

said magikeith 2005.01.19 at 13:44:31 PST

That is one ugly spider, not like there is a good looking one. Why do you have him in that jar or whatever that is? Why would you want to keep him. Is he useful for something? I don't think i would want to be in the same room with it.Thanks for showing it to me now i know i never want to see one up close and personal. Claudette

said mamabear250 2005.01.03 at 15:43:18 PST